Twenty-one Alpena High School students made a significant commitment on Thursday as they participated in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day event, pledging to take CTE courses at Alpena Community College (ACC).
ACC has emerged as the college of choice for graduating students in Northeast Michigan, with 92 out of 413 graduates from various local schools opting to enroll in the college last year. State data revealed that ACC enrolled more students from Northeast Michigan than any other college in the region.
ACC’s Director of Admissions, Mike Kollien, attributed the college’s popularity to its convenient location, smaller class sizes, and affordability. He emphasized the immediate applicability of skills taught at ACC, particularly in technical programs like automotive, welding, nursing, and electrical work, which equip students with valuable employability skills.
In an effort to further attract local students, ACC is focusing on expanding on-campus housing to accommodate the growing student population. Kollien mentioned that housing availability can be a challenge for students, and the college is working towards providing more housing options in the near future.
As a token of appreciation for their commitment to CTE education, the students who participated in the Signing Day event received a $250 scholarship to assist with educational expenses related to their program of study.
The event not only highlighted the students’ dedication to their education but also underscored the strong partnership between Alpena High School and Alpena Community College in preparing students for successful careers in various technical fields.